Discusses search requests in information retrieval systems and describes the development of an algorithm for the automatic construction of query formulations in Boolean form. Topics discussed include user needs, information retrieval languages, online systems, design requirements for the algorithm, and algorithmic functioning in information…

An adaptive testing algorithm is presented based on an alternative modeling framework, and its effectiveness is investigated in a simulation based on real data. The algorithm uses a latent class modeling framework in which assessed latent attributes are assumed to be categorical variables. (SLD)

Suggests a process for evaluating and planning integrated optical jukebox storage systems. Considerations regarding architecture and system performance are summarized, and a modeling program for tailoring system response to specific applications is presented. Five robotics algorithms are examined to illustrate different hardware configurations.…

Strategies for rapid mental computation are explained, including multiplying by 11 (or 21, 31, etc.); adding columns of numbers; and multiplying 2-digit numbers. Rapid mental computation is suggested as a motivator for investigating the underlying mathematical principles. (DB)

Discussion of the selection of search terms during an online search involving users and intermediaries focuses on a study that investigated at what stage of the search process search terms from different sources were selected, how terms were connected with retrieval of relevant answers, and the sequences in which terms were selected. (Contains 16…

Fourth graders' (n=117) solutions to addition problems were analyzed in terms of standard or idiosyncratic written algorithms. Students had not previously been taught pencil-and-paper algorithms. Preference for horizontal layout, working from left to right, and a wide variety of written algorithms were found. (Contains 48 references.) (Author/MKR)

Presents a new image compression algorithm that employs some of the most successful approaches to adaptive lossless compression to perform adaptive online (single pass) vector quantization with variable size codebook entries. Results of tests of the algorithm's effectiveness on standard test images are given. (12 references) (KRN)

Presents two new algorithms for performing arithmetic coding without employing multiplication and discusses their implementation requirements. The first algorithm, suitable for an alphabet of arbitrary size, reduces the worst case excess length to under 0.8%. The second algorithm, suitable only for alphabets of less than 12 symbols, allows even…

Presents an inference algorithm that produces a weighted finite automata (WFA), in particular, the grayness functions of graytone images. Image-data compression results based on the new inference algorithm produces a WFA with a relatively small number of edges. Image-data compression results alone and in combination with wavelets are discussed.…

An extension to the partial credit model, the linear partial credit model, is considered under the assumption of a certain linear decomposition of the item x category parameters into basic parameters. A conditional maximum likelihood algorithm for estimating basic parameters is presented and illustrated with simulation and an empirical study. (SLD)

The suggestion that the IDIOSCAL model be fitted by the TUCKALS2 algorithm for three-way components analysis is examined. The claim that resulting coordinate matrices will be identical is supported when the data matrices are semidefinite. Counterexamples for indefinite matrices are also constructed. (SLD)

Describes a study funded by the Commission of the European Community that applied document retrieval algorithms to the "Excerpta Medica" database using the EMTREE thesaurus. Nonhierarchical relations were added to enrich the thesaurus, and document ranking is discussed in terms of the conceptual distance between the documents and the…

Proposes a model of knowledge-based information retrieval (KBIR) that is based on a hierarchical concept graph (HCG) which shows relationships between index terms and constitutes a hierarchical thesaurus as a knowledge base. Conceptual distance between a query and an object is discussed and the use of Boolean operators is described. (25…

A method of automatically selecting items for inclusion in a test with constraints on item content and statistical properties was applied to real data. Tests constructed manually from the same data and constraints were compared to tests constructed automatically. Results show areas in which automated assembly can improve test construction. (SLD)

Differences in students' (aged 12-14) construction and analysis of mathematical algorithms may be explained by the differences between predicative and functional cognitive structures. Analyzes the central role of internal and external representations and the characteristics of each. Discusses prototypical research design and development of a…